Round 25’s match of the week will see Al Sadd face rivals Al Rayyan in the Qatari Clasico. Al Rayyan, the current QSL champions have slipped off the pace in recent weeks and will be eager to get back to winning ways against Qatar’s most decorated side in Al Sadd.

 Al Sadd will be coming into the Sunday evening clash at Al Sadd stadium on the back of a fine run of form in the QSL and are unbeaten in six games. Jesaldo Ferreria’s side seems to be finding form at the right time, during the business-end of the season.

 Importantly in this titanic clash, Sadd have a mental advantage over Al Rayyan particularly when they defeated the Lions 2-1 in December. Which was Al Rayyan’s first defeat of the domestic season, Sadd will be looking to Janaury signing Bagdad Bounjah for inspiration in front of goal. The Algerian front man has been in good goal scoring form in the league lately, and has picked up two goals in his last three starts.

As for Al Rayyan they come into the game off the back of two defeats. Since picking up the QSL title in round 21 the Lions have stuttered in the Qatar Stars League. Indeed, Jorge Fossati’s side has only picked up one point from a possible nine since the title celebrations against Al Wakrah.

 Part of the reason for this will be that Fossati has insisted on shuffling his pack, using fringe players ahead of the Qatar Cup and Emir Cup at the end of April and May. Al Rayyan will be boosted with the return of defensive duo Musa Haroon & Nathan from suspension. Whilst Uraguyan defender Gonzalo Viera will be absent after picking up his fourth yellow card of the season against Gharafa.

Omar Bari will be a key man for Al Rayyan going into the tie. The Qatari international keeper should be expected to start after being rested last time out. He has been ever present in goal this season for the Wolves and has kept 11 clean sheets this season. The highest amount for any keeper in the QSL, he will be charged with keeping the Wolves at bay.

Out on the pitch and South Korean midfielder Koh Myong-jin will have to be at his best if he is to overcome Xavi in the midfield battle. The former FC Seoul man has been one of Al Rayyan’s unsung heroes this season. His hard tackling and passing will be a major asset for his side, should Al Rayyan prevail.

It promises to be a passionate encounter when Al Sadd takes on Al Rayyan in the QSL match of the week for round 25. The match will be played on Sunday the 10^th of April at Al Sadd stadium, K.O 20:30.